Auxiliary engine driven device and methods for use thereof

ABSTRACT

Auxiliary engine driven devices and methods for using the same are provided. The auxiliary engine driven devices includes an engine having a first end and a second end and an auxiliary device. The engine is drivingly connected to the auxiliary device on the first end of the engine to provide power to operate the auxiliary device. A cooling system is disposed on the engine with the cooling system having a heat exchanger disposed adjacent the second end of the engine. A tangential blower is positioned along a side of the engine. An enclosure for enclosing the engine and the auxiliary device is also included. The enclosure has a first and second end and is configured to permit the pulling of air by the tangential blower over the auxiliary device and at least a portion of the engine from the first end of the enclosure and pulling of air by the tangential blower through the heat exchanger of the cooling system and over at least a portion of the engine from a second end of the enclosure.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention generally relates to an auxiliary engine drivendevice and method of use for same. More particularly, the presentsubject matter relates to an auxiliary device driven by an engine bothof which are cooled by airflow generated by a tangential blower whichpulls air through an enclosed compartment in which the auxiliary deviceand engine are housed.

BACKGROUND

Internal combustion engines have frequently used axial fans to generateairflow for proper cooling. In order for a cooling system to properlyoperate for an internal combustion engine, convective transfer of heatmust be established to aid the cooling system in maintaining a properoperating temperature. Such an operating temperature allows thecombustion chamber to completely vaporize the fuel while maintaining anoptimal viscosity of the oil to lubricate and reduce friction within theengine and reduce metal wear within the engine. Many such combustionengines use a liquid cooling system which circulates fluid through pipesand passageways in the engine. As this liquid passes through the hotengine it absorbs heat, cooling the engine. After the fluid leaves theengine, it passes through a heat exchanger such as a radiator, whichtransfers the heat from the fluid to the air around the heat exchanger.Preferably, air is blown through the heat exchanger to create aconvective heat exchange.

When there is a large space around the combustion engine or a movementof a large volume of airflow such as within a moving car, an axial faneffectively aids in cooling the engine. An axial fan pulls air throughthe heat exchanger and blows air across the engine linearly. Thus, axialfans only move air along its axis. When such an engine is used in atight compartment, for example, in an engine-driven electric generator,an axial fan does not work as well in cooling the engine. In such aclosed confined compartment in a generator, an artificial flow of aircreated by movement such as in a car is not provided to aid the axialfan in cooling the engine. Further, the air directed along the axis ofthe axial fan only has a confined space in which to travel and thus hasno place to go since a wall is often in front of the axial fanpreventing the air from escaping. Therefore, engines used in suchconfined compartments have a tendency to overheat when an axial fan isused to aid the cooling system in cooling the combustion engine.

Centrifugal blowers have been used with such engines to redirect the airand provide a better cooling system for combustion engines that areplaced in tight confines such as electrical generator housings. However,due to the volume of air that must be generated to effectively aid inthe cooling of the cooling system and the engine, the centrifugalblowers have to be quite large to accommodate such capacity. Forexample, the centrifugal blower used to effectively cool the coolingsystem and the engine can be almost half the size of the engine and willadd considerable length and width to the engine package. When the sizeof an auxiliary engine driven device such as a mobile generator used onbuses and RVs has limited space in which operated, such added size isunacceptable.

Further, neither the axial fan nor the centrifugal blower are veryeffective in aiding the cooling of the auxiliary device attached to thecombustion engine due to size constraints. For example, an electricgenerator connected to the combustion engine in an engine-generator willnormally have a fan attached thereto to cool the generator and itscomponents. However, the fan is usually not large enough to effectivelycool the generator for optimum performance. An axial fan when used in anengine-generator such as a mobile generator that has tight confines canactually hinder the cooling effect of the fan of the electric generator.The axial flow of air from the axial fan blows hot air from the enginetoward the generator thereby further creating an opportunity for failureof the electric generator. Due to the size constraints of a centrifugalblower, it also does not create an effective airflow that aids in thecooling of the electric generator.

Therefore, in light of the above, a need exists for an auxiliary enginedriven device that provides an air circulation within a confinedcompartment that adequately aids the cooling of the engine as well asthe auxiliary device.

SUMMARY

In accordance with the disclosure, auxiliary engine driven devices andmethods for using the same are provided.

It is therefore an object of the present disclosure to provide anauxiliary engine driven device that has an engine and auxiliary devicewhich are cooled by airflow created by a tangential blower placed in aposition along the side of the engine to maximize the coolingeffectiveness of the airflow and the use of space within a confinedcompartment in which the auxiliary driven device resides.

This and other objects as may become apparent from the presentdisclosure are achieved, at least in whole or in part, by the subjectmatter described herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full and enabling disclosure of the present subject matter includingthe best mode thereof to one of ordinary skill in the art is set forthmore particularly in the remainder of the specification, includingreference to the accompanying figures in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of anauxiliary engine driven device according to the present subject mattershowing an interior of the auxiliary engine driven device;

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective bottom side view of the an auxiliaryengine driven device according to FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional front view of the auxiliary enginedriven device according to FIG. 1 showing an interior of the auxiliaryengine driven device;

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of an engine and auxiliary deviceof the auxiliary engine driven device according to FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a portion an embodiment of atangential blower for use in an embodiment of an auxiliary engine drivendevice according to the present subject matter;

FIG. 6A illustrates a front plan view of the portion of the tangentialblower of FIG. 5;

FIG. 6B illustrates a front plan view of the inlet and outlet of thehousing of the tangential blower of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7A illustrates a side plan view of the portion of the tangentialblower of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7B illustrates a side plan view of the inlet and outlet of thehousing of the tangential blower of FIG. 5;

FIG. 8A illustrates a perspective side view of a vehicle housing anotherembodiment of an auxiliary engine driven device according to the presentsubject matter;

FIG. 8B illustrates a plan side view of the vehicle and the auxiliaryengine driven device of FIG. 8A;

FIG. 8C illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the vehicle takenalong the lines 8C of FIG. 8B showing an end of the auxiliary enginedriven device of FIG. 8A; and

FIG. 9 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of a further embodimentof an auxiliary engine driven device according to the present subjectmatter showing an interior of the auxiliary engine driven device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to presently preferred embodimentsof the present subject matter, one or more examples of which are shownin the figures. Each example is provided to explain the subject matterand not as a limitation. In fact, features illustrated or described aspart of one embodiment can be used in another embodiment to yield stilla further embodiment. It is intended that the present subject mattercovers such modifications and variations.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-3, an auxiliary engine driven device, generallydesignated as 10, may be provided which includes an engine, generallydesignated as 12, and an auxiliary device, generally designated as 14.Auxiliary engine driven device 10 can be any number of devices driven byan engine. For instance, auxiliary engine driven device 10 may be adevice to produce auxiliary power by converting the power generated bythe engine to other forms of mechanical or electrical power. Forexample, auxiliary engine driven device 10 may be an engine-generator asillustrated in FIGS. 1-3. Similarly, depending on the purpose of theauxiliary engine driven device 10, the auxiliary device 14 may be anynumber of devices which can be driven by an engine 12. For example, inthe embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-3, auxiliary device 14 can be anelectric generator which is driven by engine 12. In other embodiments,auxiliary device 14 may be, for example, a hydraulic power unit.However, the auxiliary devices disclosed herein are not limited to anyform of an auxiliary device or the manner of its operation.

Engine 12 can be drivingly connected to the auxiliary device 14 toprovide the mechanical power to auxiliary device 14. For example, engine12 can provide the mechanical power to the auxiliary device 14 which canbe, for example, an electric generator that converts that mechanicalpower to electric power. Engine 12 can have a first end 16 and secondend 18. Auxiliary device 14 may be drivingly connected to the first end16 of engine 12. Engine 12 can be an internal combustion engine thatincludes an engine block 20 which can house pistons and a crankshaftused to operate auxiliary device 14 shown in FIGS. 1-3. For example, thepistons and crankshaft can be operably connected to the rotor of anelectric generator to rotate the rotor to generate electrical energy.

Engine 12 can further include a cooling system 22 disposed on engine 12.Engine block 20 may also further include passageways cast or machinedtherein. Cooling system 22 may circulate cooling fluid through thepassageways formed in engine block 20 to cool the engine to a desirabletemperature. Cooling system 22 can include a heat exchanger 24 in theform of a radiator used to transfer thermal energy from the coolingfluid which passes through the passageways in engine block 20 of engine12 to the air surrounding or passing through heat exchanger 24. Heatexchanger 24 may be disposed adjacent second end 18 of engine 12.

As seen in FIG. 3, a tangential blower, generally designated as 30, canbe positioned along a side 26 of engine 12, for example, between firstend 16 and second end 18 of engine 12 as shown in FIG. 4. Tangentialblower 30 may include a blower wheel 32, a baffle 34 and a scroll 36.Baffle 34 and scroll 36 can define at least a portion of a housing 38 oftangential blower 30. Housing 38 of tangential blower 30 defines aninlet, generally designated as 40, for intake of air surrounding blowerwheel 32 of tangential blower 30. Housing 38 further defines an outlet,generally designated as 42, where air can be discharged from tangentialblower 30 away from engine 12 and auxiliary device 14. Tangential blower30 may be operated through a belt and pulley system, generallydesignated as 44. The belt and pulley system can include a crankshaftpulley 46 attached to and rotated by the crankshaft within engine block20 of engine 12. Crankshaft pulley 46 rotates a belt 48, which in turnrotates tangential blower pulley 50 integral to blower wheel 32. Belt 48can be tensioned by tension pulley 52 such that as crankshaft pulley 46is turned, then belt 48 turns tangential blower pulley 50. Thus, asengine 12 turns the crankshaft therein, crankshaft pulley 46 can berotated in a direction A which in turn rotates blower wheel 32 in adirection A₁ to draw air away from engine 12 through inlet 40 of housing38. Tangential blower 30 directs the air drawn by blower wheel 32 in adifferent direction through outlet 42 of housing 38.

Alternatively, tangential blower 30 can be operated by a separate motor,such as an electric motor, that turns blower wheel 32 independent of thecrankshaft within engine 12.

By moving the fan for cooling the engine in the form of a tangentialblower from being in axial alignment with the engine between the engineblock and the cooling system to the side of the engine, the engine ismore compact in the length with the heat exchanger of the cooling systemnext to the end of the engine. Placing the longitudinally leantangential blower along the side of the engine adds very little size inthe width direction of the engine package. Thus, the use of thetangential blower placed along a side of the engine results in a morecompact engine package.

Auxiliary engine driven device 10 further includes an enclosure,generally designated as 60, that defines a compartment TC. Enclosure 60can have a length L_(C), a height H_(C) and a width W_(C). The length,height and width of enclosure 60 can vary within auxiliary engine drivendevice 10. Enclosure 60 can have a top 62 and a bottom 64. Enclosure 60may further include a first end 66 and a second end 68 as shown inFIG. 1. Further, enclosure 60 may include one or more sides 70. Top 62,sides 70, first and second ends 66 and 68 and/or bottom 64 of enclosure60 can be defined by the confines in which auxiliary engine drivendevice 10 is placed. Thereby, the walls of the confines can comprise anyone of top 62, bottom 64, sides 70, or first and second ends 68, 68. Forexample, a motor home vehicle can provide a walled space for inclusionof an auxiliary engine driven device 10. The walled spaced can createone or more of the top 62, bottom 64, sides 70 and first and second ends66, 68 of enclosure 60. In other embodiments, enclosure 60 can be afree-standing structure, separate from the confines in which theauxiliary engine drive device 10 resides.

First end 66 and second end 68 can be configured to permit the pullingof air by tangential blower 30 over auxiliary device 14 and at least oneportion of the engine 12 from first end 66 of enclosure 60 and thepulling of air by tangential blower 30 through heat exchanger 24 ofcooling system 22 and over at least a portion of engine 12 from secondend 68 of enclosure 60. Second end 68 of enclosure 60 may be defined byan opening in which at least a portion of heat exchanger 24 resides.Further, first end 66 of enclosure 60 may define an opening in which aportion of auxiliary device 14 may extend. For example, the auxiliarydevice 14 can include an airflow casing 72 or at least a portion of itsframe which allows air to flow inward. Airflow casing 72 allows air toflow in and over a frame 74 of auxiliary device 14. Airflow casing 72can include a small fan. Often, electric generators will include a smallfan in an airflow casing which is used to provide a cooling airflow overthe electric generator. However, in such an environment as enclosure 60,the axial fan used in the electric generator does not provide enoughairflow to effectively cool the electric generator. This problem iscompounded by the heat generated by engine 12 within the same enclosure60. Thus, the airflow created by tangential blower 30 can increase theairflow through airflow casing 72 and around frame 74 of auxiliarydevice 14 to increase the effectiveness of the cooling of auxiliarydevice 14.

In order to maximize space, enclosure 60 can provide a tight compartmentTC which provides small tolerances between the maximum height, width,and length of the operational alignment of engine 12 and auxiliarydevice 14 and top 62, bottom 64, sides 70, and first and second ends 66,68 as shown in FIGS. 1-3. For example, in the embodiment shown, engine12 has a greater height and width as compared to auxiliary device 14,which extends from first end 16 of engine 12. As shown in FIG. 3, amaximum engine height H_(E) can be close in measurement to enclosureheight H_(C) such that the difference between enclosure height H_(C) andengine height H_(E) is minimized. For example, enclosure height H_(C) islarger than engine height H_(E) to provide a minimal top clearance C₁and/or bottom clearance C₂. Such top clearance C₁ as measured from top62 of enclosure 60 and the top most portion 28A of engine 12 and thebottom clearance C₂ as measured from the bottom 64 of enclosure 60 tothe bottom most portion 28B of engine 12 amounts to only a fraction ofthe overall height H_(C) of enclosure 60.

Similarly, very little clearance is provided between engine 12 includingtangential blower 30 and enclosure 60 in the width direction. Forexample, as seen in FIG. 3, maximum width W_(E) of engine 12 includingtangential blower 30 is only slightly smaller than maximum width W_(C)of enclosure 60 such that a clearance C₃ is provided on one side.Further, side 70B can be configured so that a top width W_(C2) ofenclosure 60 can be less than width W_(C) of the bottom of enclosure 60to again minimize extra space within the compartment defined byenclosure 60. The top width W_(C2) can be large enough to accommodatethe upper portion of engine 12 excluding tangential blower 30. Side 70Bis configured to accommodate tangential blower 30 while minimizingunneeded space thereby creating multiple widths W_(C), W_(C2). Thedifference between the width W_(C) of the bottom of enclosure 60 and thewidth W_(C2) of the top of enclosure 60 equals an added width WA whichis the needed width to accommodate tangential blower 30.

Thus, by using tangential blower 30, the enclosure is only enlarged bywidth W_(A). Height H_(C) of enclosure 60 is unaffected by tangentialblower 30. Further, as compared an auxiliary engine driven device thatuses an axial fan or a centrifugal blower, length L_(C) of enclosure 60can be actually smaller. Thus, the added volume needed to accommodatetangential blower 30 within enclosure 60 is also minimal as compared toother fans used to cool such auxiliary engine driven devices. Byadjusting the width between the top width W_(C2) and the bottom widthW_(C) of enclosure 60, the unoccupied volume of enclosure 60 can befurther minimized which in turn can increase the effectiveness oftangential blower 30 in aiding to cool engine 12 and auxiliary device14.

As seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, tangential blower 30 can effectively changethe direction of airflow into and through enclosure 60. For example,airflow can flow into enclosure 60 through heat exchanger 24 in adirection AF₁ and can flow into enclosure 60 through airflow casing 72of auxiliary device 14 in a direction AF₂ as blower wheel 32 oftangential blower 30 is rotated by engine 12. Blower wheel 32 pulls airinto compartment TC of enclosure 60 in directions AF₁ and AF₂ and thenpushes air out through outlet 42 in direction AF₃. This changing ofdirection of the airflow enabled by the structure of tangential blower30 helps minimize the space needed in compartment TC of enclosure 60 toprovide effective cooling of both auxiliary device 14 and engine 12.Also, the changing of direction of the airflow increases the coolingefficiency of the airflow on the engine 12 and auxiliary device 14.

As shown in FIG. 2, one or both sides 70 as well as top 62 and bottom 64of enclosure 60 may include accessory apertures 76 which help to provideair that may flow over specific components of engine 12 and/or auxiliarydevice 14 to provide extra cooling for such components. For example,auxiliary apertures 76A formed in side 70A of enclosure 60 shown in FIG.2 may be used to provide cooling air that passes over wiring of engine12 (see FIGS. 2 and 4). Similarly, for example, accessory apertures 76Bcan be formed in side 70A of enclosure 60 may be provided to createdirect airflow over oil pan 78 of engine 12. Such accessory apertures 76may provide an airflow over the alternator, starter, stop solenoid, oilpan or wiring of the engine, for example. Further, such accessoryapertures may also provide airflow over wiring and/or the frame ofauxiliary device 14. Even though tangential blower 30 can be on theother side and in close proximity of engine 12, tangential blower 30 cancreate a vacuum that adequately pulls air across components on the otherside of the engine 12 and/or auxiliary device 14.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective side view of the assembly of engine 12,auxiliary device 14 and tangential blower 30. In the embodiment shown,tangential blower 30 is positioned in a lower recess 26B of side 26 ofengine 12. In this manner, tangential blower 30 can further minimize thespace it occupies within enclosure 60. Additionally, due to theoperation of blower wheel 32 of tangential blower 30, tangential blower30 can be placed within close proximity of engine block 20 of engine 12and still effectively pull air to cool both engine 12 and auxiliarydevice 14. However, tangential blower 30 can vary in length, diameterand position in regards to engine 12 and auxiliary device 14. Forexample, tangential blower 30 can be positioned along the top side orbottom side of the enclosure. Such variations of tangential blower 30can depend on the volume of air that needs to be moved by tangentialblower 30, the available unoccupied volume of compartment TC ofenclosure 60, and the direction of discharge that may be desirable aswell as the position and direction of the airflow within enclosure 60.

Tangential blower 30 can include end plates 54 along with baffle 34 andscroll 36 to define inlet 40 and outlet 42, each of which can be used tocontrol the volume of air being pulled by blower wheel 32 throughtangential blower 30. The shape, size and placement of scroll 36 andbaffle 34 can greatly impact the volume of air which can be pulled bytangential blower 30 during operation. The tangential blower can beplaced in a position which is optimal within compartment TC in view ofcooling needs for both engine 12 and auxiliary device 14. In theembodiment shown in FIG. 4, even at the recess 26B on side 26 of engine12, the tangential blower 30 provides enough pull to more thaneffectively cool the liquid flowing through heat exchanger 24 as shownin FIG. 1 while still providing needed airflow over strategic componentsof engine 12 such as wiring 80, starter 82 and alternator 84. Airflowcan also be provided on the backside away from tangential blower 30 insuch an arrangement due to the limited amount of extra volume withincompartment TC of enclosure 60.

As can be seen in FIG. 4, the crankshaft in engine block 20 of engine 12can drive two sets of belts on second end 18 of engine 12. An inner beltdrive system 88 can be used to operate alternator 85 and can be drivenby an inner crankshaft pulley 90, while the outer belt drive system 44is driven by crankshaft pulley 46 to drive tangential blower 30connected to tangential blower pulley 50. Having a second crankshaftpulley 46 extending from end 18 of engine 12 slightly increases itslength L_(E) as seen in FIG. 1. However, due to the fact that a fan doesnot have to be placed along the length of the auxiliary engine drivendevice 10, the overall length of enclosure 60 can be greatly shortened.Thus, length L_(C) of enclosure 60 only needs to be long enough toenclose at least a portion of auxiliary device 14 and engine 12 whileaffording enough space between heat exchanger 24 and engine block 20 toprovide an adequate area and volume for cooling airflow created throughtangential blower 30 to occur. As shown in FIG. 1, auxiliary device 14can have a length L_(A). The combined length of length L_(E) of engine12 and length L_(A) of auxiliary device 14 can be greater than lengthL_(C) of enclosure 60. In other embodiments, length L_(C) of enclosure60 can be a greater than the combined length of length L_(E) of engine12 and length L_(A) of auxiliary device 14.

Thus, the shape and size of enclosure 60 is dictated by the shape, size,configuration and operational alignment of engine 12 and auxiliarydevice 14. However, since the volume of enclosure 60 based on heightH_(C), widths W_(C), W_(C2) and length L_(C) of enclosure 60 can beminimized by using tangential blower 30, the overall size of auxiliaryengine driven device 10 can be decreased while still supplyingsufficient cooling for optimizing the efficiency of the auxiliary enginedriven device 10. In this manner, an auxiliary engine driven device 10can be supplied which can address space concerns without affectingefficiency and power provided by the auxiliary engine driven devicewhether used in a mobile setting or in a stationary, fixed setting. Theuse of tangential blower 30 to aid in cooling an auxiliary device 14 andengine 12 of an auxiliary engine driven device 10 allows for overallcooling and directed cooling depending on placement of tangential blower30, while still optimizing compartment space of enclosure 60 to furtherincrease efficiency and minimize needed space.

Tangential blower 30 is selected so as to provide necessary movement ofa specified volume of air to circulate air through heat exchange 24 toadequately cool the fluid within cooling system 22. As described above,engine block 20 and cylinder head of engine 12 can have many passagewaysattached to the machine therein to allow for fluid flow. The passagewaysdirect the fluid used within cooling system 22 to critical areas ofengine 12 to prevent overheating.

Temperatures in combustion chambers of a combustion engine can reach4500° Fahrenheit (or 2500 Celsius). Thus, areas around the cylinders aswell as around the exhaust valves need to be cool by cooling system 22to prevent seizing of the engine. Such seizing occurs when the metalbecomes hot enough for the pistons to actually weld to the walls of thecylinder in which they operate. In order to adequately cool the coolingfluid of the cooling system 22, a heat exchanger 24, which can be, forexample, a radiator, is used to transfer the heat from the hot fluidleaving the engine to the air surrounding and passing through heatexchanger 24. The cooling fluid moves in a closed system from heatexchanger 24 to engine 12 where it conducts heat away from the engineparts and carries the heat primarily to heat exchanger 24.

Cooling system 22 can operate based on the temperature of engine 12. Forexample, during the start of the engine, a thermostat allows the enginetemperature to build by allowing the fluid to circulate essentialthrough just the engine. When the fluid reaches an activationtemperature, the thermostat can begin to open allowing fluid tocirculate through the radiator. The fluid can flow from an inlet 24A inthe heat exchanger 24 to an outlet 24B. As the fluid flows, it passesthrough many small tubes mounted in parallel arrangement. Vents can beused to conduct the heat from the tubes and transfer it to the airsurrounding and flowing between the tubes of heat exchanger 24. Thetubes can have inserts therein which cause a turbulent flow of the fluidto circulate the fluid within the tubes thereby increasing heat transferfrom the tubes to the fins and/or air surrounding or passing throughheat exchanger 24.

The amount of heat transferred to the tubes from the fluid runningtherethrough depends on the difference in temperature between the tubeand the fluid touching it. Thus, adequate airflow through heat exchanger24 can greatly increase the transfer heat from the fluid running throughthe tubes thereby cooling down the fluid. The thermostat will open andclose as needed to maintain a desired temperature of engine 12 therebymetering the amount of fluid going into the radiator. Thus, it ishelpful to have enough airflow created by tangential blower 30 toefficiently cool the fluid passing through heat exchanger 24.

Since an auxiliary engine driven device such as an engine-generatorusually does not obtain the benefit of airflow caused by the movement ofthe auxiliary engine driven device, a tangential blower, if used,creates the bulk of the necessary airflow to generate the convectionneeded to adequately cool the fluid passing through the heat exchangerof the engine therein. Ideally, the airflow that is created occursacross the whole or at least the majority of the heat exchanger exposedto possible airflow. For example, tangential blower 30 can create anairflow across all of the exposed portion of heat exchanger 24 tomaximize the thermal energy transfer. Such airflow can be created bytangential blower 30 even though it is oriented parallel to the enginecrankshaft and resides along a recess portion 26B of side 26 of engine12. By having tight compartment TC defined by an adequately sizedenclosure 60 that minimizes unused space, tangential blower 30 operateswell in creating the necessary airflow under low vacuum conditions tocreate airflow through the entire enclosure 60 while still being placedin close proximity to side 26 of engine 12. In this manner, tangentialblower 30 provides enough volume of airflow to adequately cool engine12, auxiliary device 14 and the other components for both.

The diameter and length of blower wheel 32 and its speed of rotation cangreatly affect the amount of air moved by tangential blower 30. Further,the size of inlet 40 and the size of outlet 42 as well as placement ofthe blower wheel 32 within housing 38 of tangential blower 30 can alsogreatly affect the volume of air moved by tangential blower 30.

As shown in FIGS. 5-7B, tangential blower 30 can include blower wheel32, baffle 34 and scroll 36. Blower wheel 32 can include blades 102 thatare curved to catch and transport air. Blower wheel 32 may include enddiscs 100 on either end with blades 102 extending between the wheeldiscs 100. Further, one or more internal discs 104 can be positionedbetween end discs 100 to help support blades 102 depending on a desiredlength L_(BW) of blower wheel 32 and the strength and sizes of blades102. Blades 102 can extend only between each set of discs so thatmultiple blades are generally aligned to form a single blade length oreach blower blade 102 can be a single blade length so that the blade canbe positioned within internal discs 104 and extend the whole length ofblower wheel 32.

Blades 102 are curved in order to catch and push air around the blowerwheel and thereby help transport the air through tangential blower 30.In this manner, airflow is created by the rotation of blower wheel 32.Preferably, the curve of each blade 102 is directed so that theconcavity created by the curve faces in the direction of rotation tofacilitate the movement of air.

The number of internal discs 104 again depends on length L_(BW) ofblower wheel 32. Further, the number of internal discs 104 may depend onthe strength and rigidity of blower blades 102 as stated above. In theembodiments shown in FIGS. 5 and 6A, blower wheel 32 has three internaldiscs 104 equally spaced between end discs 100 to create a lengthL_(BW). The length of scroll 36 and baffle 34 should be similar in sizeto that of length L_(BW) of blower wheel 32 such that when blower wheel32 is placed within housing 38, enough clearance is provided on eitherend to provide space for rotation of blower wheel 32 while at the sametime preventing excess airflow around or between end plates 100 oftangential blower 30.

Blower wheel 32 can have a diameter D_(W) which is measured from theouter perimeter of blades 102 of blower wheel 32. As stated above, thediameter D_(W) of blower 32 as well as length L_(BW) of blower wheel 32will greatly affect the amount of airflow created by tangential blower30. The amount of air to be moved can be determined based on the size ofthe engine and the amount of heat generated by the engine as well as thesize of enclosure 60 of auxiliary engine driven device 10. Thus, thediameter D_(W) and length L_(BW) of blower wheel 32 can be sized toaccommodate the size of engine 12 on which it is used to maximizeairflow while minimizing the amount of extra space needed to accommodatetangential blower 30. For a typical engine, a blower wheel having adiameter of about six inches to about eight inches may be used. Forexample, a six-inch diameter tangential blower wheel can be used to moveover about 2500 (CFM) at 0.25 inches of water at normal operating speedswhich can be used to sufficiently cool a 2.2 liter diesel poweredgenerator unit.

The placement of blower wheel 32 within housing 38 between baffle 34 andscroll 36 can also affect airflow generated by tangential blower 30.Blower wheel 32 can be placed between an upper end point E_(C) of baffle34 and a corner L_(C) of scroll 36 where lip L_(S) of scroll 36 bendsoutward from body B_(S) of scroll 36. Between upper end point E_(C) ofbaffle 34 and corner L_(C) on scroll 36, blower wheel 32 can be placedsuch that upper end point E_(C) and end corner L_(C) are align with axisX_(W) of blower wheel 32 in a plane P_(L). Such a placement of blowerwheel 32 helps to maximize airflow in through inlet 40 and out of outlet42.

As shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the entry width W_(I) of inlet 40 isgreater than the exit width W_(O) of outlet 42 of housing 38. Both inlet40 and outlet 42 are created by the positioning of scroll 36 and baffle34. The angle of baffle 34 in relation to scroll 36 is such that outlet42 can widen from lower endpoint EC₂ of baffle 34 which is closest toscroll 36 and the inner most point of outlet 42 outward through the endpoint OC₁ of outlet 42. For example, distance A_(E) as measured fromlower end point EC₂ of baffle 34 may be the narrowest distance of thewidth of outlet 42. Outlet 42 may increase at an angle α from end pointEC₂ to outlet end point OC₁ thereby increasing the width of outlet 42 inthe direction of airflow AF₃ as the air is discharged from tangentialblower 30. By having outlet 42 widening in the direction of airflow asit is discharged, a better airflow is created that increases theeffectiveness of tangential blower 30 with respect to the volume of airmoved by tangential blower 30 and its ability to aid in coolingauxiliary engine driven device 10.

The static pressure can be lowered and minimized by the blower'schanging of direction of the airflow within the application. Forexample, as shown in the figures, the airflow can change directionwithin tangential blower 30 requiring the air to make about a 90° turn.The changing of direction can also help minimize recirculation of thehot air discharge from enclosure 60.

While grills may be used to cover outlet 42, the amount of airflow willbe directly reduced by the percentage of area covered by a grill ifblower wheel 32 maintains the same wheel speed. Such issues can be takeninto consideration when designing such an auxiliary engine drivendevice.

A distance E between the circumference of blower wheel 32 and scroll 36as well as a distance F between the circumference of blower wheel 32 andupper end point EC of baffle 34 can affect the amount of noise createdby the fan as well as the volume of air being transported by blowerwheel 32. For example, by reducing both E and F, the volume of air andthe noise level will increase.

As seen in FIG. 6B, inlet 42 has an inlet area A_(I) and outlet 42 hasan outlet area A_(O). Inlet area A_(I) as measured by inlet width W_(I)and inlet length L_(I) is greater as mentioned above than outlet areaA_(O) as measured by outlet width W_(O) and outlet length L_(O). Such adifference in inlet area as compared to outlet area facilitatesdischarge of airflow from tangential blower 30 and enclosure 60.

FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C illustrate the use of a portable engine-generator110 which is positioned in a confined space CS on a vehicle V such as abus. Limited space is provided on vehicle V for such an engine generator110 due to other design demands of vehicle V. To maximize the amount ofpower which engine generator 110 generates for the vehicle V, theconstruction as shown in FIGS. 1-3 and described above of auxiliaryengine driven device 10 can be utilized where tangential blower 30 isplaced along a recess 26B on side 26 of engine 12 to minimize the amountof space occupied by the blower. Referring back to FIGS. 8A-8C, such aconstruction allows for a larger engine and electric generator to beused on vehicle. At the same time, the tangential blower creates morethan enough airflow to adequately cool the engine and the electricgenerator to increase efficiency of engine-generator 110 and to ensureproper operation of the generator 110.

As shown in FIGS. 8A-8C, airflow is generated through a heat exchanger124 on end 168 of enclosure 160 while air flows through airflow casing172 of electric generator 114 at end 166 of enclosure 160. Thetangential blower pulls the air through these inlets and discharges theair through outlet 142 in a direction AF₃. The discharge area of outlet142 as well as the size of inlet 140 and the blower wheel of thetangential blower allow more than enough airflow to adequately coolengine 112 and electric generator 114 of engine-generator 110 at adecreased noise level. Engine-generator 110 can be shorter in length forthe same amount of power as compared to an engine generator that employsan axial fan or a centrifugal blower due to the placement of tangentialblower 130 on the side. Thus, length L_(C1) of enclosure 160 can bedecreased and maximum width W_(C1) of enclosure 160 can be impactedminimally by the positioning of the tangential blower.

Further, by using the tangential blower, air is pulled in through bothends of the units rather than being pulled in one end and pushed out theother end as with an axial fan. Such an arrangement requires less spacein order to operate. By having the hot air discharged belowengine-generator 110 at an outward angle, the hot air is allowed toclear the vehicle to minimize the possibility of hot air recirculatingthrough the inlets at ends 166 and 168 of enclosure 160. This allowsfresh, cool air to be drawn into the unit 110 through the inlets at ends166 and 168 of enclosure 160. For example, as shown in FIG. 8C, enoughclearance is provided between the bottom of enclosure 160 and the groundby a carriage V_(C) of vehicle V that the discharge airflow beingdischarged in a direction AF₃ can clear the vehicle away from auxiliaryengine driven device 110.

By using a tangential blower, a blower wheel creates a wide uniform flowof air over the width of the auxiliary engine driven device withoutcreating gaps in the flow. For the same volume of air, a tangentialblower can use the smaller profile than an axial fan or a centrifugalblower. Also, a tangential blower in its full geometry is also asignificantly quieter fan which is desirable in such auxiliary enginedriven devices. Additionally, for the same volume of air as generated bya centrifugal blower or a axial fan, a tangential blower requires thesame amount of horsepower but utilizes less space.

FIG. 9 shows a partial cross-section of a further embodiment of anauxiliary engine driven device, generally designated as 210, thatincludes an engine 212 and an auxiliary device 214. In particularly, thescroll of a tangential blower 230 used within auxiliary engine drivendevice 210 is not shown to illustrate a blower wheel 232. Tangentialblower 230 is positioned on a side 226 of auxiliary engine driven device210 within an enclosure 260 of auxiliary engine driven device 210.Tangential blower 230 pulls air through a radiator 224 of engine 212 andan airflow casing 272 of auxiliary device 214 into enclosure 260. Thisairflow helps to cool both engine 212 and auxiliary device 214 duringoperation of auxiliary engine driven device 210.

The auxiliary engine driven device 210 also includes accessory air ducts240 which allow air to flow in through an inlet 242 in a direction AF₄and out an outlet 244 onto specific components of either engine 212 orauxiliary device 214. For example, air may flow in through accessory airducts 240 onto alternator 284 and starter 282. These re-directingaccessory air ducts 240 specifically direct airflow from outsideenclosure 260 onto specific components to allow for direct cooling ofthese components thereby increasing the efficiency of auxiliary enginedriven device 210 as well as engine 212 and auxiliary device 214,individually. Thus, by using the inward pull of tangential blower 230,directed air may be pulled in which aids in cooling specific componentswithin auxiliary engine driven device 210 while at the same time pullingin engine cooling air through heat exchanger 224 and pulling in cool airthrough airflow casing 272 of auxiliary device 214. In this mannerincreased efficiency of auxiliary engine driven device 210 may occur.

Embodiments of the present disclosure shown in the drawings anddescribed above are exemplary of numerous embodiments that can be madewithin the scope of the appending claims. It is contemplated that theconfigurations of the auxiliary engine driven device using a tangentialblower and related methods of use can comprise numerous configurationsother than those specifically disclosed. The scope of a patent issuingfrom this disclosure will be defined by these appending claims.

1. An auxiliary engine driven device comprising: (a) an engine having afirst end and a second end, (b) an auxiliary device, the enginedrivingly connected to the auxiliary device on the first end of theengine to provide power to operate the auxiliary device; (c) a coolingsystem disposed on the engine, the cooling system having a heatexchanger disposed adjacent the second end of the engine; (d) atangential blower positioned along a side of the engine; and (e) anenclosure for enclosing the engine and the auxiliary device, theenclosure having a first and second end and being configured to permitthe pulling of air by the tangential blower over the auxiliary deviceand at least a portion of the engine from the first end of the enclosureand the pulling of air by the tangential blower through the heatexchanger of the cooling system and over at least a portion of theengine from the second end of the enclosure.
 2. The auxiliary enginedriven device of claim 1, wherein the enclosure includes accessory ductsconfigured to specifically direct air from outside the enclosure overcomponents of at least one of the engine or the auxiliary device withthe air being pulled in through the ducts by the tangential blower. 3.The auxiliary engine driven device of claim 2, wherein the componentsover which air is directed by the accessory ducts include at least oneof the alternator, starter, stop solenoid, oil pan, or wiring of theengine.
 4. The auxiliary engine driven device of claim 2, wherein thecomponents over which air is directed by the accessory ducts include atleast one of the frame or wiring of the auxiliary device.
 5. Theauxiliary engine driven device of claim 1, wherein the enclosureincludes accessory apertures configured to direct air from outside theenclosure over components of at least one of the engine or the auxiliarydevice with the air being pulled in through the ducts by the tangentialblower.
 6. The auxiliary engine driven device of claim 1, wherein theauxiliary device is at least one of an electric generator or a hydraulicpower unit.
 7. The auxiliary engine driven device of claim 1, whereinthe tangential blower changes the direction of the air being pulled intothe enclosure before discharging the air from the enclosure.
 8. Theauxiliary engine driven device of claim 7, wherein the enclosure definesa top, a bottom, and at least two sides and wherein a discharge chute ofthe tangential fan opens through one of the a top, a bottom, or sides.9. The auxiliary engine driven device of claim 7, wherein the directionof the air is changed by about 90°.
 10. The auxiliary engine drivendevice of claim 1, wherein the enclosure is minimally enlarged toaccommodate the tangential blower.
 11. The auxiliary engine drivendevice of claim 1, wherein the tangential blower is positioned along theside of the engine between the first end and the second end of theengine.
 12. The auxiliary engine driven device of claim 1, wherein thetangential blower is driven directly by the engine.
 13. The auxiliaryengine driven device of claim 1, wherein the tangential blower ispositioned within a recess along a side of the engine.
 14. An auxiliaryengine driven device comprising: (a) an auxiliary device for providingauxiliary power; (b) an engine having a first end and a second end, theengine drivingly connected to the auxiliary device on the first end toprovide power to the auxiliary device to be converted into the auxiliarypower; (c) a cooling system disposed on the engine, the cooling systemhaving a heat exchanger disposed adjacent the second end of the engine;(d) a tangential blower positioned along a side of the engine betweenthe first end and the second end of the engine, the tangential blowerconfigured to be driven during operation of the engine; and (e) anenclosure for enclosing the engine and the auxiliary device, theenclosure having a first and second end and being configured to permitthe pulling of air by the tangential blower over the auxiliary deviceand at least a portion of the engine from the first end of the enclosureand pulling of air by the tangential blower through the heat exchangerof the cooling system and over at least a portion of the engine from asecond end of the enclosure.
 15. The auxiliary engine driven device ofclaim 14, wherein the enclosure includes accessory ducts configured tospecifically direct air from outside the enclosure over components of atleast one of the engine or the auxiliary device with the air beingpulled in through the ducts by the tangential blower.
 16. The auxiliaryengine driven device of claim 15, wherein the components over which airis directed by the accessory ducts include at least one of alternator,starter, stop solenoid, oil pan, or wiring of the engine.
 17. Theauxiliary engine driven device of claim 15, wherein the components overwhich air is directed by the accessory ducts include at least one of theframe or wiring of the auxiliary device.
 18. The auxiliary engine drivendevice of claim 14, wherein the enclosure includes accessory aperturesconfigured to direct air from outside the enclosure over components ofat least one of the engine or the auxiliary device with the air beingpulled in through the ducts by the tangential blower.
 19. The auxiliaryengine driven device of claim 14, wherein the auxiliary device is atleast one of an electric generator or a hydraulic power unit.
 20. Theauxiliary engine driven device of claim 14, wherein the tangentialblower changes the direction of the air being pulled into the enclosurebefore discharging the air from the enclosure.
 21. The auxiliary enginedriven device of claim 20, wherein the enclosure defines a top, abottom, and at least two sides and wherein a discharge chute of thetangential fan opens through one of the a top, a bottom, or sides. 22.The auxiliary engine driven device of claim 20, wherein the direction ofthe air is changed by about 90°.
 23. The auxiliary engine driven deviceof claim 14, wherein the enclosure is minimally enlarged to accommodatethe tangential blower.
 24. A method for cooling an auxiliary enginedriven device, the method comprising; (a) providing a cooling systemhaving a heat exchanger disposed adjacent an end of a engine; (b)providing a tangential blower positioned along a side of the engine; and(c) pulling air through an enclosure encompassing the auxiliary enginedriven device so that air is pulled through the heat exchanger of thecooling system and over at least a portion of the engine from the firstend of the enclosure and air is pulled over an auxiliary device drivenby the engine and at least a portion of the engine from a second end ofthe enclosure.
 25. The method of claim 24, further comprising directingair from outside the enclosure being pulled by the tangential blowerover components of at least one of the engine or the auxiliary device.26. The method of claim 24, further comprising changing the direction ofthe air being pulled into the enclosure before discharging the air fromthe enclosure.